Educazione sessuale completa dalla prima infanzia. Le ricerche a supporto di un approccio di genere e trasformativo.

For over thirty years, scientific literature and major international organisations have recognised sexual education as a tool to promote the appreciation of diversity, improve psychosocial well-being, and prevent violence in intimate relationships. In 2018, UNESCO published an updated version of its guidelines on sexual education, advocating for a holistic approach (Comprehensive Sexuality Education) that focuses on skills, attitudes, and values, promoting a positive view of sexuality as a human right and a means of empowerment. Among the key elements distinguishing CSE from traditional approaches, three stand out: 1) sexuality education should begin in preschool; 2) it cannot be separated from gender; 3) it has a broad transformative ambition. Despite being supported by research evidence, these elements remain highly contested in Italian public debate today. The main challenges include teachers’ fears of addressing these topics and the lack of specific training. Additionally, many school environments still lack adequate policies, and there is limited awareness of the right to sexual health and self-determination. This contribution offers a theoretical and empirical reflection to promote a more comprehensive and informed vision of sexual education.